Imagine waking up to a warm, comforting dish that perfectly balances the sweet, juicy burst of fresh fruit with the rich, creamy indulgence of custardy bread. This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe does exactly that. It’s a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, bringing together layers of tender challah or brioche, luscious strawberries, and smooth cream cheese, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re planning a special weekend brunch or craving a cozy treat, this casserole is guaranteed to brighten your morning with its beautiful flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this delightful dish is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet purposeful. Each component adds a unique flavor or texture that makes the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe truly unforgettable.
- Challah or brioche (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): These rich breads soak up the custard beautifully while staying tender on the inside with a slight golden crust on the outside.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, hulled and sliced): Their natural sweetness and vibrant color brighten every bite and balance the creamy richness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a velvety creaminess and a subtle tang that cuts through the sweet layers.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer perfectly without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor throughout the custard and cream cheese mix.
- Large eggs (6): The foundation of the custard, helping bind the casserole and create that luscious texture.
- Milk (2 cups): Light and smooth, it balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Lends a luxurious, rich body to the custard.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness with a hint of earthy warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): The base for the crumbly, golden topping that adds a satisfying crunch.
- Packed brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings caramel notes to the crumb topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkles a cozy spice that complements both strawberries and cream cheese.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, cold and cut into pieces): The secret to creating that irresistible crumb topping texture.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layers
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom of the dish, then scatter half of the sliced strawberries over the bread. This foundation starts your casserole with a balance of soft bread and fresh fruit.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this luscious mixture over the strawberries and bread evenly. This layer will create delightful pockets of creamy sweetness as it bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Remaining Bread and Strawberries
Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining bread cubes, then scatter the rest of the strawberries across the top. This ensures every bite carries the perfect mix of fruit, cream, and bread.
Step 4: Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until fully combined. Pour this rich custard evenly over the entire casserole, then gently press down on the layers so the bread can soak up all those flavorful liquids. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping
Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly topping generously over the casserole; it will bake into a sweet, buttery crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Marinate
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting period lets the bread absorb the custard deeply, ensuring every piece is uniformly moist and tender.
Step 7: Preheat and Ready the Casserole
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats, which helps it bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the custard to firm up slightly and make cutting easier.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, top your casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of real maple syrup for an elegant finish. Fresh strawberry slices or a few mint leaves add a vibrant pop of color and freshness that makes it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a star on its own but pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a perfect sweet and salty balance. A simple green salad with citrusy dressing can also refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins for a fancy brunch presentation or layer it with whipped cream and extra berries for a dessert-style treat. You could even scoop it into bowls with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a lighter twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats well, making it a convenient and delicious breakfast option any day of the week.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and fruity brightness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the casserole soggy rather than luxuriously custardy.
FAQs
Can I use other berries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be great substitutes or additions, adding their own unique flavors and colors to the casserole.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?
Challah and brioche are ideal because they have a rich texture that soaks up custard well without falling apart. You could also try a good-quality French bread or sourdough for a slightly different texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, but you’ll want to use dairy-free cream cheese, milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and dairy-free butter substitutes. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How early can I prepare it before baking?
Preparing the casserole the night before and letting it soak overnight in the fridge actually improves the flavor and texture, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy mornings.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Definitely! This recipe serves about 8 people and can easily be doubled for bigger groups. It makes brunch stress-free and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for brunch or a special breakfast treat. Its perfect combination of fruity freshness, creamy indulgence, and tender bread is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl—you’ll love waking up to this beautiful casserole as much as I do!
Print
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that combines tender challah or brioche bread cubes with fresh strawberries and a creamy, sweet custard. Topped with a buttery crumb topping and baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making mornings effortless and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries over the bread.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread and strawberry layer.
- Add Remaining Layers: Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by the rest of the sliced strawberries, spreading them evenly.
- Prepare Custard and Combine: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries. Press down lightly on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard fully.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the entire casserole.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, making it perfect for easy mornings.
- Using challah or brioche bread ensures a rich and tender texture, but any sturdy white bread will work as a substitute.
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer, you can add a splash of orange liqueur or zest for a citrus twist.
